Head of Finance

About the Job

The Head of Finance – South Africa is responsible for strategic financial leadership, safeguarding financial integrity, and enabling profitable growth across the South African business. The role oversees financial governance, planning, reporting, controls, tax, compliance, commercial finance, treasury, and risk management—while shaping our financial strategy as Ice Cream transitions into a standalone global company.

This role partners closely with Commercial, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Finance, and Africa Leadership, ensuring robust financial oversight and business partnering to drive performance, value creation, and operational excellence.

• Lead the development and execution of the national financial strategy to deliver business growth, value creation, and long‑term sustainability.
• Partner closely with the CEO/MD and executive leadership teams on commercial priorities, investment decisions, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
• Provide executive‑level insights, scenario modelling, and data‑driven recommendations that support decision‑making.
• Ensure alignment between local and Africa strategic finance priorities.
• Lead finance transformation aligned with the Ice Cream separation.

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, long‑range planning, and financial modelling.
• Analyse business performance, KPIs, customer/channel economics, and margin drivers to influence strategic adjustments.
• Drive cost optimisation initiatives to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Ensure robust post‑evaluation of investments, promotions, innovation, and capital expenditure.

• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting, consistent with IFRS and local statutory requirements.
• Lead statutory audits, internal audits, and external compliance processes.
• Oversee tax compliance, treasury governance, banking covenants, and adherence to Companies Act obligations.
• Maintain and enhance financial policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.

• Manage cash flow, working capital, treasury, and capital expenditure planning, ensuring liquidity and financial resilience.
• Partner with Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing, and Manufacturing to improve ROI, cost efficiency, and P&L performance.
• Support pricing, NRM decisions, product costing, and commercial negotiations through data‑driven financial insights.
• Strengthen financial discipline across the value chain.

• Ensure a strong internal control environment, mitigating financial, operational, and compliance risks.
• Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of risk mitigation frameworks.
• Anticipate emerging risks and proactively implement protective measures.
• Oversee contract reviews, credit governance, legal/financial risk assessments, and control enhancements.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing finance team with strong technical and commercial capabilities.
• Build a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Drive digital finance transformation, including ERP optimisation (SAP or equivalent).
• Ensure succession planning and capability development across the function.

• Chartered Accountant CA(SA) strongly preferred; CIMA/ACCA acceptable.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Commerce (required).
• MBA or postgraduate business qualification advantageous.

• 10–15+ years post‑qualification experience in finance.
• At least 5 years in senior finance leadership with full P&L oversight.
• Experience in FMCG, manufacturing, snacking, or consumer goods essential.
• Exposure to multi‑site and/or multi‑country markets desirable.
• Demonstrated success managing:
  • Financial reporting
  • FP&A
  • Commercial business partnering
  • Statutory compliance
  • Cash flow & working capital
  • Internal and external audits
  • ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.)

• Technical & Analytical Skills
• Deep expertise in financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Strong…